The zoo has announced the arrival of Belle, a 0.1 Bonobo
Meet Belle, the newest bonobo at the Columbus Zoo!
Belle was born in 2013, and you can spot her by the light coloring around her lips and chin. She’s a little shy right now as she gets to know her new troop and the care team, but her sweet personality is already shining through. Fun Fact: Even though Belle is 7 months younger than Nadine, she’s actually her great aunt—talk about a twisty family tree!
Belle's move to the Columbus Zoo from the San Diego Zoo was a recommendation by The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Bonobo Management Partnership, a group that collectively manages the bonobo population in the United States. Why? Female bonobos leave their natal group when they reach maturity to join a new group, and Belle's move to Columbus helps her follow that natural process.
Bonobos are an incredible and endangered species found only in the forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Did you know the Columbus Zoo helps protect bonobos in their native ranges? Through our support of organizations like Friends of Bonobos, we’re working to save their habitats and care for bonobos in Lola ya Bonobo, the world’s only bonobo sanctuary and Ekolo ya Bonobo, which is the world's only bonobo rewilding program.
Next time you visit the Zoo, come say hi to Belle and her new troop—and remember, by visiting the Zoo, you’re helping us support bonobo conservation!
